Police have arrested a former house helper to the late Pamela Tumwebaze, the Director of Students’ Affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), in a major breakthrough in investigations into her brutal killing.
Tumwebaze was attacked and killed on Tuesday night at her home in Gwafu Village, Goma Division, Mukono District.
The suspect, identified as Hussein Taewaiko Dak, was arrested on Friday, February 14, 2026, in Budaka District, where he had reportedly been hiding since the murder.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, the suspect was found in possession of items belonging to the deceased — evidence investigators say directly links him to the crime.
“The Joint Security Task Team investigating the murder of Pamela Tumwebaze has successfully arrested one of the key suspects identified as Taewaiko Dak Hussein,” Kawala said.
“He was arrested from his hideout in Budaka District, where he was found with the deceased’s property, a critical piece of evidence connecting him to the murder.”
Police further revealed that the suspect had previously worked as a house helper for Tumwebaze, raising concerns about a possible inside connection to the crime.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect is a former house help to the deceased,” Kawala added.
The murder
According to the house maid, in the week hours of the night, she was woken up by lights in the house which had been put on by the assailant.
The assailant later asked her to open for him the main door so he could exit and when the miad asked who he was, the killer asked her to go to her boss’ bedroom to confirm and on stepping into the bedroom, she was shocked to find her dead body.
Left terified, the housemaid had to give keys to the killer who opened for himslef and left wearing some of the deceased’s clothes.
Tumwebaze’s killing has since sent shockwaves through the university community and the country, sparking widespread outrage among students, staff, and civil society who have demanded swift justice for the respected administrator known for her dedication to student welfare.
Police say investigations are ongoing as authorities pursue possible accomplices.
“Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and further updates will be communicated in due course as progress is made,” Kawala said.
The suspect is expected to be formally charged as investigators continue piecing together the events leading to Tumwebaze’s death and the motive behind the murder.
